Decision—Stories of Leadership in the Services

We all make decisions every day – they shape the lives we lead. In times of war, decision-making can take on a greatersignificance. Many Australians over the past century of service have demonstrated leadership with the decisions they have made.

A Bitter Fate—Australians In Malaya & Singapore

In December 1941 Japanese forces landed at Malaya and began a rapid advance southwards towards Singapore. Australians were among the Allied forces fighting to halt the advance. On 15 February 1942 the city fell to the Japanese, and more than 130,000 British and Allied troops were taken prisoner of war, including some 15,000 Australians. More than 1100 other Australians were either confirmed dead or listed as missing in action, and hundreds of others remained unaccounted for.

Resource—Stories of innovation in wartime

Korea—A Cold War conflict (1950–1953)

This publication for secondary schools enables students and teachers of Year 10 Australian Curriculum: Humanities & Social Sciences: History to explore Australia’s involvement in a Cold War conflict, the Korean War.

Great Debates—Conscription 2016

Great Debates: Conscription is designed for teachers and students of Year 9 Australian Curriculum: Humanities and Social Sciences. It enables them to investigate the variety of attitudes Australians had toward conscription a century ago.

While an event may be significant in our nation’s history, it will not always be of interest to young students. This resource is intended to engage students with, as well as educate them about, our political and wartime history.

Here they come—A day to remember

This education publication has been developed for lower primary students to assist in developing students’ understanding of commemoration. It explores a variety of characters and their perspectives on Anzac Day. Balancing fictional characters, stylised illustrations and photographs, the publication shows students that Anzac Day is significant to many Australians, is an important part of Australian community life, and is a respectful event containing commemorative traditions and symbols.

Centenary of the Somme

Almost 300,000 Australians served on the Western Front in France and Flanders, taking part in every major British offensive between 1916 and the Armistice in 1918. More than 46,000 lost their lives, of whom some 18,000 have no known grave.

Behind the front line they took every opportunity to rest and recover, including these three men of the 1st Division photographed in Vignacourt, France.

On the day of the Battle of Fromelles, these eight men of the 53rd Battalion prepared to take part in an attack that only three of them would survive.

Commemorating the Malayan Emergency and Indonesian Confrontation

The two Remembrance Day posters for this year feature images of Australian soldiers on patrol during the Malayan Emergency and Indonesian Confrontation. During the 1950s and 1960s, Australian forces were engaged in two conflicts involving Malaya. British Commonwealth forces played a key role in combating a twelve-year long Communist insurgency, known as the Malayan Emergency, between 1948 and 1960. From 1964, Australians served in support of the newly federated state of Malaysia.

Ancestry—Stories of multicultural Anzacs

This commemorative publication is the third book in the Century of Service series and is aimed at upper primary and lower secondary school students. It explores stories of individuals and families from different cultural backgrounds who served in Australian units during the First World War. The stories contain educational questions, historical facts, did you know questions and a glossary of terms used in the text. Copies are available for sale from the Australian War Memorial.

Chinese Anzacs

Chinese Anzacs explores the challenges of being an Australian soldier of Chinese ancestry in the First World War and examines some individuals’ experiences during wartime and on return to civilian life.

Commemorating the Centenary of the Gallipoli Landings

The two Anzac Day posters highlight the significance of the landings at Gallipoli. The images capture a moment in time as men step off the boats and begin their climb up the steep terrain. The photograph shows members of No. 2 Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers, as they land on the morning of 25 April while members of the 7th Battalion advance up a gully on the left. The painting by Australian artist William Beckwith McInnes is one of many artistic interpretations of the landings at Anzac Cove in 1915.

Remembering Them App Education Activities

The Remembering Them smart phone and tablet application provides a geocoded list of memorials, museums, war graves and other Australian sites that commemorate our wartime history. This booklet of educational activities is designed to encourage students to engage with sites that commemorate Australia's wartime history in their local area and launch into further research to broaden their historical knowledge and skills.

Commemorating the first convoy of Australian troops to the First World War

The 2014 Remembrance Day poster features an artwork titled First convoy at sea, depicting the convoy of ships that sailed from Albany in Western Australia on 1 November 1914 carrying 30,000 men and 8000 horses overseas for service in the First World War. En route, HMAS Sydney destroyed the German raider SMS Emden, ensuring the convoy’s safe passage through the Indian Ocean.

We Remember Anzac (Secondary Resource)

The publication provides an Order of Service and step-by-step instructions to assist teachers and community groups to organise a respectful commemorative event and is accompanied by a CD containing the Last Post, Rouse and National Anthems. This publication encourages a greater understanding and awareness of the Anzac story, the significance of commemoration, and the enduring impact of the First World War on Australian society.

We Remember Anzac (Primary Resource)

The publication provides an Order of Service and step-by-step instructions to assist teachers and community groups to organise a respectful commemorative event and is accompanied by a CD containing the
Last Post, Rouse and National Anthems. The publication encourages a greater understanding and awareness of the Anzac story, symbols of commemoration, significance of memorials and the enduring impact of the First World War on Australian society.

Australians on the Western Front

Some 295,000 Australians served on the western front. Over 46,000 died there and 134,000 were wounded or captured. These numbers can be misleading as the average strength of the AIF in France and Belgium was only 120,000. As with all armies, there was a constant turnover of personnel owing to death, wounds and illness. This can be seen in the numbers who served in a typical Australian Western Front infantry battalion. The 42nd, from Queensland, left England for the front 1027 strong in November 1916. In two years fighting 2954 men served in the battalion, of whom 544 were killed in battle, or died of wounds or sickness. An additional 1450 were wounded, 320 of them more than once—13 men were wounded four times. Two 42nd Battalion men were captured by the enemy. Like all Australian infantry battalions normal strength of 1000 was impossible to maintain as the war went on. When the 42nd attacked the Hindenburg Line in late September 1918 it had less than 300 men.

Audacity—Stories of heroic Australians in wartime

This educational publication is the second book in the Century of Service series and is aimed at upper primary and lower secondary schools students.

It explores some of the extraordinary stories of bravery and courage of men and women in Australian wartime history.

The stories contain educational questions, historical facts and did you know questions. A glossary of terms used in the text is provided. Copies are available for sale from the Australian War Memorial.

Schooling, Service and the Great War (Secondary Resource)

This educational resource investigates the diverse experiences of Australian school communities during the Great War. Each investigation uses primary and secondary sources to look at what students were learning about the British Empire, its Allies and enemies, the consequences on daily life at school, the values taught, the patriotic activities undertaken, the reasons why some students and teachers enlisted and responses to the loss or wounding of people from school communities.

Schooling, Service and the Great War (Primary Resource)

This educational resource investigates the diverse experiences of Australian school communities during the Great War. Each investigation uses primary and secondary sources to look at what students were learning about the British Empire, its Allies and enemies, the consequences on daily life at school, the values taught, the patriotic activities undertaken, the reasons why some students and teachers enlisted and responses to the loss or wounding of people from school communities.

The Thai–Burma Railway and Hellfire Pass

Over 22 000 Australians were captured by the Japanese when they conquered South East Asia in early 1942. More than a third of these men and women died in captivity. This was about 20 per cent of all Australian deaths in World War II. The shock and scale of these losses affected families and communities across the nation of only 7 million people.

This website focuses on Hellfire Pass (Konyu Cutting), the deepest and most dramatic of the many cuttings along the Thai–Burma railway.

Devotion—Stories of Australia's Wartime Nurses

This education resource is the first book in the Century of Service series and is aimed at primary and lower secondary schools students.

It explores the contribution and courage of Australian nurses in conflicts and peacekeeping operations from the Boer War to the present.

Copies of this publication will be sent to all target groups. This publication will also be made available to other stakeholder groups and will be available for sale from the Australian War Memorial and the Shrine of Remembrance.

Indigenous Service

This educational resource has been developed for primary and secondary schools in collaboration with the Shrine of Remembrance. Two versions of this education resource have been developed to target primary and secondary schools.

These resources acknowledge the service and sacrifice of Indigenous men and women from the First World War to the present and provide a social and political context of their service in the light of past racial discrimination.

The Kokoda Track

The Kokoda track region appears much as it did in 1942 when the Australian soldiers fought there. Along the track, trenches and rusted weapons can still be seen. There are almost none of the facilities a tourist might expect to find: no electricity, no shops, and each madly rushing stream is crossed by means of a simple log bridge. Following in the steps of the Australian soldiers remains a physically challenging task, to be attempted by only the fittest of bushwalkers amongst us.

Australia and the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was the longest major conflict in which Australians have been involved; it lasted ten years, from 1962 to 1972, and involved some 60,000 personnel. A limited initial commitment of just 30 military advisers grew to include a battalion in 1965 and finally, in 1966, a task force. Each of the three services was involved, but the dominant role was played by the Army.

North Africa and Syria

The North Africa and Syria Educational Activities booklet features a selection of inquiry-based activities to encourage student exploration of the commemorative publication Australians in World War II: North Africa and Syria.

Teachers using these materials are encouraged to select specific activities, parts of activities or the broad selection of primary and secondary materials within this learning resource to suit their own purposes.

Bomber Command

The Bomber Command Educational Activities booklet features a selection of inquiry-based activities to encourage student exploration of the commemorative publication Australians in World War II: Bomber Command.

Teachers using these materials are encouraged to select specific activities, parts of activities or the broad selection of primary and secondary materials within this learning resource to suit their own purposes.

Kokoda: Exploring the Second World War campaign in Papua New Guinea

This resource has been developed to mark the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign. The book contains 12 units of teaching and learning activities for secondary school students. Through this resource, students can learn about the significance and strategic importance of Kokoda, fighting and living conditions, casualties, personal experiences of Australian and Japanese soldiers, General Blamey’s ‘Rabbit Speech’ and modern day pilgrimages to the site. The book includes a DVD, CD ROM and posters providing additional background information and learning activities.

The Korean War

It was the first major war of a larger conflict, the Cold War. The Cold War was a political, economic and military contest between the two post-war superpowers, the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Soviet Union). The Republic of Korea (south) was supported by the United States which persuaded the United Nations to side with her. Australia was one of the 21 members of the United Nations which sent military forces to aid the south. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (north), was backed by China and the Soviet Union.

70th Anniversary Tobruk 1941

We'll Meet Again

This education resource provides teachers and students with learning activities and information on love and friendship experienced during times of conflict.

This teachers’ guidebook provides classroom ready activities which encourage senior students to analyse and develop historical literacy skills through inquiry learning on the theme relationships forged, lost or found in wartime. The learning activities link to the Australian English and History Curriculum.

Forever Yours

This publication is designed for upper primary and secondary students. It contains a collection of stories about love in wartime using mementos, letters and photographs which explore the notions of love and friendship during wartime.

These stories complement the teaching activities found in the Teachers’ Guidebook : We’ll meet again for secondary students.

Gallipoli and the Anzacs

Historians still debate whether the Anzac troops were landed at the correct place. Why did the Allied commanders send Australian troops to land on a beach before rugged hills, ridges and steep gullies? What was the objective? What happened?

'The attack on Gallipoli was one of the more imaginative strategies of the First World War … Gaining control of the Dardanelles would re-establish communications with Russia and release wheat and shipping locked in the Black Sea by Turkey.'

95th Anniversary of the landings on Gallipoli

Investigating Gallipoli

This education resource is designed for primary students in years 4-6, and focuses on the campaign and the experiences of the Anzacs at Gallipoli in 1915.

Students use collected evidence to create their own storybook, covering the main features of the campaign, the experiences of soldiers and nurses involved, and the ways in which Gallipoli has been, and continues to be, commemorated in Australia.

Gallipoli and the Anzacs

This education resource provides teachers and students with learning activities and information on the experiences of the Anzacs at Gallipoli in 1915, contextualising the involvement of the Turkish, British, French and other Allied forces in the campaign.

Home Front

This resource is aimed at secondary school students and contains over 20 pages of activities.

The online materials draw on the rich collection of photos and the brief history provided in the Australians in World War I: Home Front commemorative publication, which was printed in early 2012 and is the fifth and final book in the series.

Royal Australian Navy

This publication contains a brief history of the Royal Australian Navy RAN) in the First World War. It is accompanied by more than 100 images showing the personnel and vessels of the RAN as they served on operations around the world.

Australian Flying Corps

The Australian Flying Corps Educational Activities booklet is aimed towards secondary students. It is designed to complement the Australian Flying Corps publication which provides a brief history of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC), in particular their involvement during World War I.

The publication includes more than 100 images and photographs that captures the history of the forerunner to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Gallipoli

The Gallipoli Educational Activities booklet features a brief introductory activity called 'Getting Started', followed by seven separate activities designed to encourage student interaction with the rich range of historical sources in the Australians in World War I: Gallipoli commemorative publication.

Some activities utilise the videos and interviews on the Gallipoli iBook, which you can download for free to your iPad.

Australian Light Horse—Palestine 1916–1918

The Australian Light Horse—Palestine 1916–1918 activities booklet features a selection of inquiry-based activities to encourage student exploration of the commemorative publication Australians in World War I: Australian Light Horse—Palestine 1916–1918.

Teachers using these materials are encouraged to select specific activities, parts of activities or the broad selection of primary and secondary materials within this learning resource to suit their own purposes.

Australian Prisoners of War

This educational resource provides teachers and students with activities to investigate Australian Prisoners of War using the stories from the Australians at War Film Archive.

The resource provides historical background about Australian prisoners of war since the Boer War and uses the personal stories of veterans and civilian POWs from the Second World War and the Korean War.

Australian involvement in South-East Asian conflicts

The Malayan Emergency (1948–1960) and the Indonesian Confrontation (1963-1966) represent significant turning points in both Australian military history and the history of Australia’s international relations. An understanding of these conflicts also helps explain why Australia became involved in the Vietnam War (1962–1972).

M is for Mates—Animals in Wartime from Ajax to Zep

This education resource is designed for primary students and is an alphabetic book about the contribution made by animals in wartime and peace operations.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs' publication M is for Mates—Animals in Wartime from Ajax to Zep was shortlisted for the 2010 Children's Literature Book of the Year Awards by the Children's Book Council of Australia.

M is for Mates was also nominated for the Eve Pownall Information Book of the Year 2010—for information books suitable for children up to the age of eighteen years.

The Sinking of HMAS Sydney

Australian Women in War

This educational resource provides teachers and students with self-contained classroom ready activities and teaching strategies to investigate the roles and experiences of Australian women during more than a century of wars, conflicts and peace operations.

It highlights the roles of wimen since 1899 in the services and their home front experiences. The resource includes an introductory DVD and a CD ROM with ten interactive classroom activities.

Their Spirit, Our History

Discover and imagine, through letters, journals, newspaper clippings and telegrams, what life was like for Australians during WorldWarI. Learn about the origin and historical significance of Anzac Day through research-based activities. Find out tips on how to plan and conduct your own commemorative ceremony.

Australians on the Western Front

This resource offers a range of teaching activities to enable exploration of the Australian experience on the Western Front. The activities incorporate a rich selection of written and illustrated primary sources.

The Nominal Roll of Australian Korean War Veterans

The Nominal Roll of Australian Veterans of the Korean War honours and commemorates the men and women who served in the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force in Korea, or in the waters adjacent to Korea, during the conflict and after the ceasefire, between 27 June 1950 and 19 April 1956.

This site contains information from the service records of more than 18,000 individuals who served during the Korean War.

Australians at War Film Archive

12,000 hours of interviews about Australia's wartime history.
2,005 interviews, 1,000,000 stories.
Told by the people who lived them.

The Archive is an Australian Government initiative, commissioned through the Department of Veterans' Affairs. It is a unique, historical collection, a resource for everyone interested in Australia's wartime heritage.

Operation Jaywick

Operation Jaywick was a raid on shipping in Japanese-occupied Singapore harbour between September and October 1943. The raid was carried out by members of Special Operations Australia (SOA) from Z Special Unit.

The Nominal Roll of Australian World War 2 Veterans

The World War Two Nominal Roll was created to honour and commemorate the men and women who served in Australia's defence forces and the Merchant Navy during this conflict.

This site contains information from the service records of some one million individuals who served during World War Two.

You may search for service record details by specifying name, service number, honours, place (of birth, of enlistment, or residential locality at enlistment). Once you find an individual service record you can print a certificate, if you wish.

North Beach Gallipoli 1915

The Nominal Roll of Australian Vietnam War Veterans

The Nominal Roll of Vietnam Veterans lists approximately 61 000 men and women who served in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in Vietnam, or in the waters adjacent to Vietnam, during the conflict between 23 May 1962 and 29 April 1975. You can seek information on these members using the Search function.